Save Your Marriage With These Closet-Sharing Tips

From the time you were a preschooler, you’ve been admonished to share. Sharing is important in the adult world as well, particularly when you choose a life partner. You need to share everything when you live with someone else, from the chores to the refrigerator, from your finances to your closet. Yes, your closet. In most cases, master bedrooms have only one closet, and if two people are living in the room, they need to share that space. If closet space is an issue in your relationship, you may need some real-life tips on working out the challenges that come with two people trying to use one relatively small space. Here are some:

No one wants to be told to eliminate much-loved items, and you’re no exception. Chances are, though, that you have some things in your closet that you don’t really need to have. Go through your shelves and clothing rods, and ask yourself the following questions regarding each item: Do I love it?; Do I use it regularly? and Does it have sentimental appeal? If the answer to either of the first items are a resounding yes, then the item stays. If only the third question prompts a yes answer, then you might consider storing the item somewhere else. And if you can’t answer any of the questions in the affirmative, the item might be better off with someone who wants or needs it. (There are exceptions for clothing worn only on special occasions; you’ll need to use your discretion.) This step alone might make it so that you are not pushing and shoving over closet space. If not, read on.

There are so many products on the market that can help you to get your closets organized and help you find space that you didn’t even know you had. What works for you is not the same thing as what will work for someone else, so you and your partner will need to put your heads together. Does he have a collection of ties that is threatening to take over the closet? Is there no floor space because her shoes seem to be multiplying before your very eyes? Between homemade partitions made from bins and baskets, commercial closet accessories sold at your nearest home improvement store, and professionally designed and installed custom closets, you’re sure to find a solution that works for you, your space and your budget if you work together.

It is hard to get past old habits, and if one or both of you struggles with closet organization, you might be tempted to throw in the towel at the first sign of difficulty. Once you have cleared out the closet and have a place for everything, strive to keep everything in its place! You may experience setbacks and you might have to start at the beginning a few times, but keep working and you will see great results over time. It might help to spend a few minutes tidying up the closet together every evening until it becomes a habit, or you might both agree not to bring anything new into the closet without getting rid of something old.

Working together to share a closet is one of those challenges that no one ever tells you about when you are going through premarital counseling, but it’s something that nearly every couple has to figure out at some point. Follow these tips to work together at making your closet workable for both of you, and you’ll have one less thing to argue about, which is good for any relationship!